Modular photovoltaic system

ABSTRACT

A modular photovoltaic system adapted for collecting light rays from a solar light source to generate electrical current, the system having a light-tracking solar collector adapted to collect the light rays, an edge-lit photovoltaic array, and a transport conduit adapted to transport the light rays to the edge-lit photovoltaic array. The edge-lit photovoltaic array has a plurality of edge-lit photovoltaic panels, each having a transparent diffusing pane positioned between two backing panels with inwardly directed photovoltaic surfaces. Each edge-lit photovoltaic panel perpendicularly contacts a lateral light distributor attached to the transport conduit, causing the transparent diffusing pane to illuminate the photovoltaic surfaces to generate electrical current. The light-tracking solar collector is adapted to rotate to remain oriented toward the solar light source.

CROSS REFERENCES AND RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/507,369 filed Jul. 10, 2019, which is relied upon and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. The entire disclosure of anypublication or patent document mentioned herein is entirely incorporatedby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a photovoltaic system forgenerating electricity using solar energy. In particular, the presentdisclosure relates to a modular photovoltaic system with a compactedge-lit photovoltaic array which is illuminated by a separate solarcollector.

BACKGROUND

Solar energy is an increasingly important form of renewable energy.However, traditional solar panel arrays must be exposed to directsunlight, and therefore require significant amounts of space in order toensure that the solar panels are unobstructed. Solar panel arrays forpowering houses may occupy tens or even hundreds of square feet worth ofrooftop space, while solar power plants may require many square miles ofground space. Furthermore, traditional solar panels remain exposed tothe elements as well as environmental debris, and their effectivenessmay rapidly degrade without labor-intensive cleaning and maintenance.Even though solar cell technology continues to improve, the maintenanceand space requirements for the proper operation of traditional solarpanel arrays pose a major barrier against further adoption of solarenergy.

Many examples of improved solar panels can be found within the priorart. These devices seek to alleviate the cost of operating solar panelarrays by improving the efficiency of the solar panels, thus increasingthe amount of electricity which can be generated for a given unit ofsurface area. However, these improved solar panels still require directexposure to sunlight, and therefore fail to address the spacerequirements and maintenance overhead inherent in the operation oftraditional solar panel arrays. Furthermore, as the efficiency of newsolar panel technology continues to increase, the investment value ofexisting solar panel arrays will decay, as the operators of the nowobsolescent solar panels must choose between upgrading their solar panelarrays at great cost, or making inefficient use of ground and surfacearea by continuing to operate older, less effective solar panels.

An urgent need therefore exists for an improved photovoltaic systemwhich is compact and capable of generating electricity using a fractionof the surface area of a traditional solar panel array, reducesmaintenance overhead, and is also modular and is capable of beingupgraded.

In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combinationthereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to thepublic, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes priorart under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the presentdisclosure is concerned.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects aredisclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one ormore of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is toprovide a photovoltaic system capable of generating electric currentusing solar without directly exposing its photovoltaic components to thesun. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a modular photovoltaicsystem comprising an edge-lit photovoltaic array, and a light trackingsolar collector adapted to collect light rays from a solar light sourceand transport the collected light rays to the edge lit photovoltaicarray using a light transport conduit. The light-tracking solarcollector employs a light focusing means, such as a lens, to collect andfocus the light rays without requiring the edge-lit photovoltaic arrayto be directly exposed to the solar light source.

It is another aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosureto provide a photovoltaic system which increases the density ofphotovoltaic surfaces without greatly increasing the area occupied bythe photovoltaic system. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides anedge-lit photovoltaic array comprising a plurality of stacked edge-litphotovoltaic panels each having a transparent diffusing pane positionedbetween two backing panels with photovoltaic surfaces, and a laterallight distributor which is in perpendicular contact with each edge-litphotovoltaic panel. Light rays from the solar collector are transferredto the lateral light distributor via the transport conduit, while thelateral light distributor illuminates the transparent diffusing pane andthe photovoltaic surfaces of each edge-lit photovoltaic panel.

It is yet another aspect of an example embodiment in the presentdisclosure to provide a photovoltaic system which is capable of trackingthe sun to maximize the amount of light collected. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure provides a light-tracking solar collector having alight sensor for determining the position of the solar light source, anda motorized tracking mechanism adapted to rotate and/or elevate thesolar collector in order to orient the light focusing means towards thesolar light source.

The present disclosure addresses at least one of the foregoingdisadvantages. However, it is contemplated that the present disclosuremay prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in anumber of technical areas. Therefore, the claims should not necessarilybe construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems ordeficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above,this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, thatthe drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as beingpart of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is diagrammatical perspective view of a modular photovoltaicsystem, showing an edge-lit photovoltaic array attached to alight-tracking solar collector for collecting light, in accordance withan embodiment in the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical exploded view showing the edge-litphotovoltaic panel array disassembled to reveal a plurality of edge-litphotovoltaic panels, further showing a lateral light distributor whichdistributes light to the edge-light photovoltaic panels, in accordancewith an embodiment in the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the light-tracking solarcollector, showing a solar collector head with a lens and a lighttransport conduit, in accordance with an embodiment in the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the edge-lit photovoltaicarray and the lateral light distributor in a tapered configuration, inaccordance with an embodiment in the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the edge-lit photovoltaicarray, showing the structure of the edge-lit photovoltaic panels, witheach panel having a transparent central pane positioned between twobacking panels each having an inward-facing photovoltaic surface, inaccordance with an embodiment in the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the light-tracking solarcollector, showing the solar collector continuously tracking and facinga solar light source using a tracking mechanism and light sensor, inaccordance with an embodiment in the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the light-tracking solarcollector, showing the collector head being elevated to face the solarlight source, in accordance with an embodiment in the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic cross-section view of the modular photovoltaicsystem deployed within a building, whereby the light tracking solarcollector is positioned in view of the solar source and the edge-litphotovoltaic array is positioned within the interior of the building, inaccordance with an embodiment in the present disclosure.

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exampleembodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete and fullyconveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a modular photovoltaic system 10 adapted to generateelectrical current using solar energy, comprising an edge-litphotovoltaic array 12, a light-tracking solar collector 50, and atransport conduit 54. Referring briefly to FIG. 6A while continuing torefer to FIG. 1, the transport conduit 54 contains a light transportmedium 60, such as a fiber optic cable, which is adapted to transportlight by internal reflection, allowing the light-tracking solarcollector 50 to collect light rays 102 emitted from a solar light source100, such as the sun, which are then delivered to the edge-litphotovoltaic array 12 via the transport conduit 54.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 while continuing to refer to FIG. 1, theedge-lit photovoltaic array 12 is formed using one or more edge-litphotovoltaic panels 14. Each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14 has atransparent central pane 16 positioned between, and in contact with, apair of backing panels 20. Each transparent central pane 16 is formed ofa transparent material such as glass, polycarbonate, or other similarmaterial capable of transmitting light. Each transparent central pane 16has a light receiving edge 16T which is transparent and is adapted toreceive light, and a pair of opposing light emitting faces 16F. Thelight emitting faces 16F each have an irregular surface which is adaptedto scatter light, and the irregular surface may be produced by etching,scoring, or a similar process. Each backing panel 20 has aninward-facing photovoltaic surface 20V in contact with one of the lightemitting faces 16F, comprising one or more solar cells which are adaptedto convert energy from photons within the light rays 102 into electricalcurrent. An output line 120 may be employed to carry the electricalcurrent produced by the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 to be consumed orstored as necessary.

When multiple edge-lit photovoltaic panels 14 are employed in theedge-lit photovoltaic array 12, the edge-lit photovoltaic panels 14 arepositioned in parallel. In a preferred embodiment, each edge-litphotovoltaic panel 14 is rectangular in shape, and has a panel top edge18T which exposes the light receiving edge 16T of the transparentdiffusing pane 16, a pair of panel side edges 18S, and a panel bottomedge 18B. The transparent diffusing pane 16 further has a pair oftransparent side edges 16S, and a transparent bottom edge 16B. Theedge-lit photovoltaic panels 14 are stacked together to give theedge-lit photovoltaic array 12 a substantially block-like shape, whilethe panel top edges 18T of each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14 aresubstantially aligned to form a rectangular top face 12T. In a preferredembodiment, the transparent side edges 16S, the transparent bottom edge16B, and the light receiving edge 16T are coextensive with the panelside edges 18S, the panel bottom edge 18B, and the panel top edge 18Trespectively. The panel side edges 18S align to collectively form a pairof rectangular side faces 12S, while the panel bottom edges 18B align tocollectively form a rectangular bottom face 12B.

The edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 further has a plurality of reflectiveside panels 22 and a reflective bottom panel 24 positioned over therectangular side faces 12S and the rectangular bottom face 12Brespectively, which cover the panel side edges 18S and the panel bottomedge 18B of each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14 within the edge-litphotovoltaic array 12. The reflective side and bottom panels 22, 24 areadapted to trap light within the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 andfacilitate internal reflection by reflecting the light rays 102 whichtravel through the transparent side edges 16S or the transparent bottomedge 16B transparent diffusing pane 16. In certain embodiments, thereflective side and bottom panels 22, 24 may incorporate mylar ordielectric mirrors, as well as any other suitable reflective material.The edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 may have a fully sealed exterior toprotect the edge-lit photovoltaic panels from being damaged or adverselyimpacted by the elements or by environmental debris.

Turning now to FIG. 4 while continuing to refer to FIG. 2, the modularphotovoltaic system 10 further has a lateral light distributor 30 whichis adapted to receive the light rays 102 collected by the light-trackingsolar collector 50, and distribute the light rays 102 to each edge-litphotovoltaic panel 14 within the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12. Thelateral light distributor 30 comprises a light distributing medium 30Mwhich has a collecting point 32 which is connected to the transportconduit 54, and a distributing surface 34 which is adapted to contactthe light receiving edge 16T of each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14within the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12, forming a boundary throughwhich the light rays 102 may be propagated. The collecting point 32includes an orifice 33. The transport conduit 54 extends into theorifice 33. In a preferred embodiment, the distributing surface 34 issubstantially flat, and is positioned perpendicular to, and in contactwith, the aligned panel top edges 18T of each edge-lit photovoltaicpanel 14. The light distributing medium 30M is transparent and capableof transmitting light. Similarly to the transparent diffusing pane 16 ofthe edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14, the light distributing medium 30Mmay be formed using glass, polycarbonate, or other suitable transparentmaterial. The light rays 102 entering the lateral light-distributor 30are transported laterally across the distributing surface 34 to eachedge-lit photovoltaic panel 14, via contact between the light receivingedges 16T and the distributing surface 34. The light distributing medium30M is further covered with an inwardly oriented reflective layer 36,which traps and reflects the light rays 102 within the lateral lightdistributor 30. The reflective layer 36 may be composed of mylar ordielectric mirrors or another suitable reflective material. In apreferred embodiment, the reflective layer 36 covers substantially theentirety of the lateral light distributor 30 with the exception of thedistributing surface 34. In a preferred embodiment, the distributingsurface 34 has sufficient area to completely cover the light receivingedge 16T of each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14, and may be rectangularto conform to the top face 12T of the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12.

Referring to FIG. 5 while also referring to FIG. 6A-C, the light rays102 travel through the boundary between the distributing surface 34 ofthe lateral light distributor 30 and the light receiving edges 16T ofeach edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14, and are transmitted through thetransparent diffusing pane 16 before being scattered through the lightemitting faces 16F to illuminate the photovoltaic surfaces 20V of thebacking panels 20. The solar cells within the photovoltaic surfaces 20Vare exposed to the light rays 102, and are able to generate electricalcurrent without being directly exposed to the solar light source 100.Furthermore, any number of edge-lit photovoltaic panels 14 may beemployed, thereby greatly increasing the combined area of thephotovoltaic surfaces 20V that can be deployed at a given space, whencompared to conventional solar panels which must be directly exposed tosunlight. In a non-limiting example, each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14may have an area of one square foot and a thickness of 0.8 inches. Thecombined photovoltaic surfaces 20V of each edge-lit photovoltaic panel14 would have an area of two square feet. An edge-lit photovoltaic array12 comprising fifteen individual edge-lit photovoltaic panels 14 wouldhave a volume of one cubic foot and have thirty square feet ofphotovoltaic surfaces 20V, while occupying only a single square foot ifplaced on a flat surface. Note that each edge-lit photovoltaic panel 14may have a variable area and thickness.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 4, in a preferred embodiment, the lateral lightdistributor 30 may have a tapering configuration 30C in the form of apyramid or cone with a base corresponding to the distributing surface34, and an upper tip 30T positioned above the distributing surface 34.The collecting point 32 is located at the upper tip 30T, and the lightrays 102 travel downwardly from the upper tip 30T through the lightdistributing medium 30 towards the distributing surface 34. Furthermore,the pyramidal or cone-like shape of the tapering configuration 30Ccauses any reflected light rays 102 traveling within the lightdistributing medium 30M to be directed towards the distributing surface34. Note that in alternate embodiments, the lateral light distributor 30may be in the form of a substantially flat panel or block.

Returning to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the ability of the edge-lit photovoltaicarray 12 to generate electrical current is dependent on the amount oflight from the solar light source 100, which is collected by thelight-tracking solar collector 50. In a preferred embodiment, thelight-tracking solar collector 50 has a collector head 50H with one ormore light focusing means 52 positioned therein. In a preferredembodiment, the light focusing means 52 comprises a lens 52F. Thetransport conduit 54 joins the collector head 50H to the collectingpoint 32 of the lateral light-distributor 30. The light transport medium60 has a first end 60A which is connected to the collector head 50H, anda second end 60B which is operably connected to the lateral lightdistributor 30 via the collecting point 32. The second end 60B extendsthrough the orifice 33 of the collecting point 32 into the laterallight-distributor 30. The second end 60B terminates at the collectingpoint 32.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-B, while also referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, thecollector head 50H is positioned facing the solar light source 100,allowing the light rays 102 to be collected by the light focusing means52. The collected light rays 102 are directed towards the first end 60Aof the light transport medium 60 and are transported to the collectingpoint 32 and the lateral light distributor 30 via the second end 60B. Ina preferred embodiment, the light transport medium 60 comprises a fiberoptic cable 62 and reflective cladding 64 to effect internal reflectionof the light rays 102 through the light transport medium 60. Note thatother light focusing means 52 may be employed in place of, or incombination with a lens 52F. For example, the light rays 102 may begathered and focused upon the first end 60A of the light transportmedium 60 using reflective mirrors, mirror dishes, or other suitablemeans as will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art inthe field of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the light-tracking solar collector 50 isadapted to swivel and/or rotate to allow the collector head 50H toremain oriented towards the solar light source 100, thereby maximizingthe amount of light to which the collector head 50H is exposed as thesun moves across the sky. The light-tracking solar collector 50 maytherefore have a tracking mechanism 66 adapted to rotate and/or elevatethe collector head 50H in response to the movement of the sun. Thetracking mechanism 66 may be implemented using a motor or similarapparatus. The transport conduit 54 is correspondingly flexible to allowthe movement of the collector head 50H and/or the light-tracking solarcollector 50. The tracking mechanism 66 may be controlled using one ormore light sensors 68 which determine the position of the solar lightsource 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, in order to increase the amount of light which canbe delivered to the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12, the light-trackingsolar collector 50 may have multiple light focusing means 52. In oneembodiment, the collector head 50H may have three light focusing means52, and three transport conduits 54. All three transport conduits 54 areattached to the collecting point 32 of the lateral light distributor 30,thereby increasing the amount of light which is collected and deliveredto the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12. Furthermore, the modularphotovoltaic system 10 may employ multiple edge-lit photovoltaic arrays12, each with one or more light-tracking solar collectors 50.

Referring to FIG. 6C, the transport conduit 54 may be any length,allowing the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 to be positioned separatelyfrom the light-tracking solar collector 50, as allowed by the length ofthe transport conduit 54. In one embodiment, the modular photovoltaicsystem 10 may be employed within a building 140 or other structure whichhas an interior space 1401. The light-tracking solar collector 50 may beplaced on the exterior 140E of the building 140 so that it can beexposed to the solar light source 100, while the edge-lit photovoltaicarray 12 is positioned within the interior space 1401, thus preventingthe need to occupy the exterior 140E with solar panels and furtherprotecting the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 from exposure to theelements.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the modular photovoltaicsystem 10 allows the various components of the system to be replaced ina modular fashion, thus allowing the modular photovoltaic system 10 tobe repaired or upgraded. For example, each edge-lit photovoltaic panel14 may be removed from the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 to bereplaced. Furthermore, the edge-lit photovoltaic array 12 may bedetached from the lateral light distributor 30 and/or the transportconduit 54.

Referring to FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, the edge-lit photovoltaicpanels 14 may instead have backing panels 20 with double-sidedphotovoltaic surfaces 20V. The backing panels 20 with double-sidedphotovoltaic surfaces 20V may therefore be positioned between twotransparent diffusing panes 16, thus ensuring that each photovoltaicsurface 20V is in contact with one of the light emitting faces 16F.

It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being“on” another element, it can be directly on the other element orintervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there areno intervening elements present.

Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,”“second,” “third,” are used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross sectionillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result,for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, example embodiments described herein should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustratedherein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated ordescribed as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features.Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region andare not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

In conclusion, herein is presented a modular photovoltaic system. Thedisclosure is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, andthroughout the written description. It should be understood thatnumerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventiveconcept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular photovoltaic system adapted to collectlight rays emitted from a solar light source, comprising: a solarcollector having a light focusing means, and a plurality of fiber optictransport conduits each having a first end and a second end, the lightfocusing means is adapted to focus the light rays from the solar lightsource upon each of the first ends of the transport conduits; a laterallight distributor having a transparent light distributing medium, acollecting point, and a distributing surface, the collecting pointopposite the distributing surface, the collecting point including anorifice, the second ends of the transport conduits extend through theorifice and into the lateral light distributor, the second ends areattached to and terminate at the collecting point, each of the secondends of the transport conduits distributing the light rays into thelateral light distributor, the light distributing medium is adapted toreceive the light rays from the transport conduits and distribute thelight rays across the distributing surface; and an edge-lit photovoltaicarray having a plurality of edge-lit photovoltaic panels, the edge-litphotovoltaic panels each having a transparent diffusing pane positionedbetween a pair of backing panels, one of the pair of backing panels ofany one of the edge-lit photovoltaic panels is positioned against abacking panel of one of the pair of backing panels of another, adjacentedge-lit photovoltaic panel, the transparent diffusing pane having atransparent light receiving edge and a pair of light emitting faces, theedge-lit photovoltaic panels are positioned perpendicularly to thelateral light distributor such that all the light receiving edgescontact the distributing surface and each of the second ends of thetransport conduits communicates the light rays to each of the lightreceiving edges of all of the plurality of edge-lit photovoltaic panels,whereby the light rays are transferred from the distributing surface tothe light receiving edge and are scattered through the light emittingfaces, the backing panels each have an inwardly facing photovoltaicsurface in contact with one of the light emitting faces, eachphotovoltaic surface is adapted to generate electrical current whenexposed to the light rays scattered through the light emitting faces. 2.The modular photovoltaic system as described in claim 1, wherein: thelight emitting face of each edge-lit photovoltaic pane is irregular tofacilitate diffusion and the scattering of the light rays passingtherethrough.
 3. The modular photovoltaic system described in claim 2,wherein: the plurality of edge-lit photovoltaic panels are substantiallyrectangular in shape and have a panel top edge, a panel bottom edge, anda pair of panel side edges, the light receiving edge of the transparentdiffusing pane is coextensive with the panel top edge, the transparentdiffusing pane has a transparent bottom edge which is coextensive withthe panel bottom edge, and a pair of transparent side edges which arecoextensive with the panel side edges.
 4. The modular photovoltaicsystem described in claim 3, wherein: the plurality of edge-litphotovoltaic panels are arranged contiguously in parallel, whereby thepanel top edges of the edge-lit photovoltaic panels are aligned to forma rectangular top face, the distributing surface of the lateral lightdistributor is adapted to contact the light receiving edge of eachedge-lit photovoltaic panel coextensive with the rectangular top face.5. The modular photovoltaic system described in claim 4, wherein: thepanel side edges and the panel bottom edges of the plurality of edge-litphotovoltaic panels are aligned to form a pair of rectangular side facesand a rectangular bottom face respectively, the edge-lit photovoltaicarray further has reflective panels which cover the rectangular sideface and the rectangular bottom face and are adapted to reflect thelight rays within each transparent diffusing pane.
 6. The modularphotovoltaic system described in claim 5, wherein: the lateral lightdistributor has a tapered configuration, the lateral light distributorhas a base corresponding to the distributing surface and tapers upwardlyto form an upper tip, the collecting point is positioned at the uppertip, the lateral light distributor further has an inwardly orientedreflective layer which covers the lateral light distributor between theupper tip and the base which is adapted to reflect the light rays withinthe light distributing medium.
 7. The modular photovoltaic systemdescribed in claim 6, wherein: the solar collector has a light sensoradapted to locate the solar light source, and tracking mechanism adaptedto rotate the solar collector and orient the light focusing meanstowards the solar light source.
 8. The modular photovoltaic systemdescribed in claim 7, wherein the light focusing means is a lens adaptedto focus and direct the light rays towards the first end of thetransport conduit.
 9. The modular photovoltaic system as described inclaim 7, wherein: the solar collector and the edge-lit photovoltaicarray are adapted for use with a building having an interior space, andan exterior which is directly exposed to the light rays from the solarlight source, whereby the light tracking solar collector is adapted tobe positioned on the exterior of the building and the edge-litphotovoltaic array is adapted to be positioned within the interior spaceof the building.